Here's why:

* Element: A pure substance that cannot be broken down into simpler substances by chemical means. Examples: oxygen (O), carbon (C), gold (Au).

* Compound: A substance formed when two or more different elements are chemically bonded together in a fixed ratio. Examples: water (H₂O), carbon dioxide (CO₂), sodium chloride (NaCl).

Let me know if you'd like more examples or have any other chemistry questions!